Sachin Tendulkar looks different these days. And no, I am not talking about a change in his batting style, or a drastic change of mood reflected on his face- no! I am actually referring to his hairstyle. Yes, while Rahul Dravid is making headlines these days owing to the news of his retirement, another great cricketing legend is painting the gossip columns red with his surprising new haircut. Sachin's always flaunted his trademark bouncy curls that co-existed peacefully with his boyish charm. To imagine a Sachin without those curls is like visualizing a Ronaldinho who had braces as a child. He has straightened his locks and slicked it back, leaving a few strands caressing his forehead and swaying in the wind.

This stylish new hairdo that made an appearance during the Wimbledon match between Serena Williams and Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova is apparently garnering praises from the so called hairstyle aficionados, who I think, are grateful that Sachin finally decided to break away from his hair and style monotony and do something different altogether. It needs to be acknowledged that transformation is a result of some really cool hair products and is no way associated with hair transplant, hair weaving or hair extension related procedures.

People are going over the limb to appreciate and adulate Sachin Tendulkar profile. Sachin's fans have even gone to the extent of sporting similar hair-do while cheering for their 'Little Master'. "He looks younger," they said. "He looks suave and stylish," they quipped. Well, it just goes to show you that Sachin's fans would follow him to the end of the earth, if they have to. Since the hair style has very little effect on Sachin Tendulkar statistics, he can shave his head to make it shine like a polished marble and still hit a sixer that is going to leave you mesmerized.

When asked about why he opted for a more metro-sexual look, Sachin, bless his soul, confessed he was opting for a hairstyle that would make him look younger but unfortunately or fortunately, it didn't quite pan out as he had planned. He adds that he had experimented with makeovers in the past (read a french beard that he sported a while back) and while this might have been a little drastic, it is till his choice to make and he doesn't regret his decision. Well said Sachin Sir; it is in fact your life, your hair and your whimsy. Sadly, Sachin Tendulkar caricatures won't be the same, ever again.